The National Wallace Monument will introduce its first female figurehead into its Hall of Heroes, with the help of a public vote.

Following a rigorous selection process The National Wallace Monument has revealed the final shortlist for public vote, the shortlist recognises the achievements of 14 remarkable women who have shaped Scotland in the areas of arts, culture and sport, medicine, science and engineering and public life.

Visitors to the monument and members of the public are being invited to have their say before the final selection of a Scottish heroine is decided. Voting takes place online at www.nationalwallacemonument.com, or via a voting ballot in person at the monument, and the deadline for final entries is March 31, 2017.

Included in the shortlist in the arts, culture and sport category are Gaelic Poet, Màiri Mhòr nan Òran (1821-1898), Glasgow artist Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh (1864-1933), folk singer, lecturer and musician Jean Redpath (1937-2014) and champion wwimmer Nancy Riach (1927-1947).

Doctor and suffragette Elsie Inglis (1864-1917), doctor and founder of the Edinburgh School of Medicine for Women, Sophia Jex Blake (1840-1912) and co-founder of Maggie's Centres, Maggie Keswick Jencks (1941-1995) make up the shortlist in the medicine category.

From the science and engineering category the shortlisted names are automobile engineer, racing car driver and entrepreneur Dorothée Pullinger (1894-1986), the first British woman marine engineer Victoria Drummond (1894-1978), the first female science graduate Chrystal MacMillan (1872-1937), and scientist, astronomer, mathematician and writer Mary Somerville (1780-1872).

Scotland's first female archaeologist, Christian Maclagan (1811-1901), Church of Scotland missionary Jane Haining (1897-1944) and healthcare, social welfare and education missionary Mary Slessor (1848-1915) complete the shortlist in the public life category.

Starting with more than 200 names, panel member and chair of Stirling District Tourism, Zillah Jamieson, explains why the final 14 were chosen: "These historic female figures have been chosen because they have shaped Scotland's history and surprised, delighted and inspired generation after generation with their determination, fortitude and spirit – the very values which William Wallace stood for.

"Some have exhibited selflessness or personal commitment to social improvement and others were leaders in their fields, achieving worldwide recognition but all are worthy of a place in the Hall of Heroes among legends such as King Robert the Bruce, Sir Walter Scott and John Knox."

The final selection will be announced in April 2017, and the installation of the chosen heroine will follow shortly after. The project will then continue to introduce further heroes and heroines in the future.